Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has firmly ruled out accepting a vice-presidential slot in the 2027 general elections, dismissing speculation that he could deputise former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, made his position clear while speaking at a public event in Abuja, amid growing talks of a possible opposition alliance ahead of the next presidential race.
Reports had suggested that Atiku, who is expected to emerge as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), could consider Amaechi as a running mate. However, the former minister categorically rejected the idea, insisting he has no interest in serving as anyone’s deputy.
“I will not be vice president to anybody. There are many reasons why I won’t accept it. First, I am too presidential to be a vice,” Amaechi said.
According to him, the challenge with the office of the vice president in Nigeria goes beyond ceremonial limitations and is rooted in its constitutional design. Amaechi argued that the role is largely subordinate and heavily dependent on the disposition of the president.
“In this country, the vice president is often powerless and subject to the temperament of the president. That structure naturally creates friction,” he said.
Amaechi, who is reportedly eyeing the ADC presidential ticket himself, added that he would rather serve in a ministerial capacity than accept a vice-presidential position that could lead to constant disagreements within the executive.